Francis T. “Fran” DeGrave, 92, of East Troy, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. After celebrating his 92nd Birthday and 69th Wedding Anniversary over the weekend, he asked God to kindly bring him home.
Born on Oct. 4, 1933, in Burlington, to Frank and Louise DeGrave, Fran was the youngest of three children. At age 12, he helped move his family and drive their cows from the Honey Creek area to what is known as the “family farm” on Army Lake Road where he enjoyed living his entire life. In addition to farming, he served as a Rural Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service for 30 years, operated a vegetable stand with his family for over 34 years, and occasionally worked at Lake Beulah Golf Course.
Fran found his true love and sweetheart, Neva, while dancing at the Muskego Dandelion Park Ballroom. They were married on Oct. 6, 1956, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church and together raised their five children on the family farm. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 62 years and served as Financial Secretary of Lakeland Council #4579 for over 50 years. He unselfishly volunteered and supported his church and the East Troy community. His integrity and genuine compassion touched the lives of all who knew or came in contact with him, including family relatives, friends, and even his son’s college Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity brothers (Honorary Phi Sig).
In retirement, he passionately loved gardening, bowling, card parties with friends, dart ball, golf and woodworking. Most of all he loved spending time with family.
Fran is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Neva; his children Daniel (Mary), Denise (Mike) Saffran, David (Jill), Darrell (Kristen), and Dennis (Karen); 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. Fran was preceded in death by his parents, three grandchildren, a great grandchild, and his sisters Norma (Peter) Naber and Marion (Roman Sr.) Henningfeld.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. with a visitation from 2 p.m. until the time of the Mass, all at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Peter’s Church, Knights of Columbus, or directly to the family toward planting a beautiful tree on the farm in Fran’s memory, are suggested.
Legacy Funeral Services has the honor of serving the family.
